The fifth annual Midland County Greater Works Turkey Trot, held on Nov. 24, is a chip-timed race that begins at Memorial Stadium and routes through old Midland. In addition to registration-required 5k and 10k races, the Turkey Trot includes a free Kid’s Fun run with canned food donations. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Nov. 24. Visit active.com to register.

The Jingle Bell Run, benefiting Junior Achievement of the Permian Basin, will take place Dec. 3 and begin at Heritage USA Federal Credit Union, 5707 W. Wadley Ave. The 5k and 10k races will begin at 9:30 a.m. following an opening ceremony. Visit japb.org for more information and to register.

Benefiting the Museum of the Southwest, the fourth annual Ugly Christmas Sweater 5K Fun Run and 1 Mile Reindeer Dash, will take place at 11 a.m. Dec. 10. Tour the Museum of the Southwest, enjoy hot chocolate and snack on Christmas cookies following the race throughout historic downtown Midland. Medals will be presented to the first 300 finishers, Santa will be available for photos and awards will be presented for “Ugliest Dressed,” “Ugliest Couple” and “Ugliest Family/Team.” Visit museumsw.org for more information and to register.

Photo: JAMES DURBIN

Brinnin Nethery, age 6, plays with foam snow during an Ugly Sweater 5K Run at the Museum of the Southwest.

Brinnin Nethery, age 6, plays with foam snow during an Ugly Sweater...

Celebrate the holidays with Hight Foods

Prepare for the holidays by partnering with Hight Foods for a Thanksgiving cooking class and decorating Christmas cookies with Santa Claus.

The Thanksgiving cooking class is set for 6-8 p.m. Nov. 22 and will provide you with enough food to feed six to eight people. The menu includes stuffing, sweet potatoes, green-bean casserole and pecan pie. Cost is $55.

Christmas-cookie decorating is scheduled for 3:30-5 p.m. Dec. 21-23 at Hight Foods. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at hightfoods.com/store. Hight Foods is located at 3320 N. Midkiff Road.

Photo: Courtesy Photo

Now through Dec. 23, the train trip brings the magical story of The Polar Express to life with a one-hour round-trip journey to the North Pole.

Now through Dec. 23, the train trip brings the magical story of The...

Climb aboard The Polar Express

Experience something special by riding the West Texas & Lubbock Railway to the North Pole onboard The Polar Express Train Ride from Wolfforth. Now through Dec. 23, the train trip brings the magical story of The Polar Express to life with a one-hour round-trip journey to the North Pole.

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away. Once onboard, cheerful, dancing chefs serve passengers hot chocolate and cookies while they read along with the classic children’s book, "The Polar Express," by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas — a silver sleigh bell. Chefs aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to Wolfforth.

For dates, fares and excursion times visit WestTexasPolarExpressRide.com or call 877-726-7245.

Event Boss is hosting a family fun ball featuring characters from Disney’s “Frozen” 6-9 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1301 N. Loop 250 W. The ball is open to families and will include dancing, refreshments, a photo booth and meet-and-greets with characters including Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at eventboss.ticketleap.com.